as listless as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as listless as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is lacking energy or enthusiasm, often in a simile format. Example: "After the long meeting, I felt as listless as a wilted flower, unable to muster the energy to continue working."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Arts

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The acting is as listless as John W. Cooper's direction.

The New York Times

How could anyone as listless as the heroine be an ace advertising copy-writer?

The New Yorker

Still, it wasn't ABC's fault that Obama's demeanor was as listless as the assembled journalists and spinners (for both sides) judged it to be.

The New Yorker

But it's as listless as its protagonist – a junkie safe-cracker (Joe Cole) given 24 hours, without smack, to secure a payload for crime boss Peter Bowles.

The Guardian - Film

It's more of a challenge still when they're as listless as The Wolverine (Fox, 12) – or so one would like to think, though summer box-office figures suggested fans' enthusiasm for Marvel's most hirsute superhero has yet to wane.

The Guardian - Film

49ers (5-9) at RAMS (2-12) 49ers by 5 1/2 Both teams are led by interim coaches, but San Francisco's Mike Singletary seems more likely to get a permanent title than Jim Haslett, whose Rams seem as listless as they were under Scott Linehan.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

It is a pure reversal of the first presidential debate but on steroids: Biden was actually more assertive and even lively than Romney was, while Ryan is at times as listless and passive as Obama was.

The Guardian

500 began, only two previous presidential election years produced an index that had as listless a first six months as in 2004, and in each case the news was bad for the incumbent party.

The New York Times

Whisper it who dares, they can come across as "listless".

The Guardian

As listless, pounding or archly chipper music plays, still photos of one wraith after another surface and fade.

The New York Times

"Hard truths" could be the slogan for the re-started Obama campaign, which, until the October 30th Democratic debate in Philadelphia, had been viewed as listless and fading.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "as listless as" to create a vivid comparison, helping your reader understand the degree of inactivity or lack of enthusiasm you're describing. For example, "The team's performance was as listless as a windless day at sea."

Common error

Avoid using "as listless as" too frequently in formal or professional writing. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound too informal or subjective. Opt for more precise and professional language to describe a lack of energy or enthusiasm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as listless as" functions primarily as a simile, used to create a comparison that emphasizes the degree of inactivity, apathy, or lack of enthusiasm. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. The examples in Ludwig show its use to describe demeanor, performances, or even economic conditions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Film

16%

Arts

6%

Less common in

Sports

4%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as listless as" is a simile used to describe a state of inactivity or lack of energy. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in written English. While grammatically sound and relatively versatile, it is not exceedingly common, appearing more frequently in News & Media, film reviews, and arts-related content. When using "as listless as", consider the specific context and audience to ensure it effectively conveys the intended meaning and avoid overuse in formal settings. Related phrases like "as lethargic as" or "as apathetic as" may offer more precise connotations depending on the nuance you wish to express. The phrase's strength lies in its ability to create a vivid comparison, emphasizing the extent of the lack of vitality or enthusiasm.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as apathetic as

Replaces 'listless' with 'apathetic', emphasizing a lack of interest or concern.

as lethargic as

Substitutes 'listless' with 'lethargic', highlighting sluggishness and a lack of energy.

as enervated as

Uses 'enervated' instead of 'listless', suggesting a feeling of being drained of energy.

as languid as

Replaces 'listless' with 'languid', indicating a relaxed and unhurried state, often bordering on inactivity.

as lifeless as

Substitutes 'listless' with 'lifeless', emphasizing a complete lack of vitality or animation.

as spiritless as

Uses 'spiritless' in place of 'listless', conveying a lack of enthusiasm or morale.

as passive as

Replaces 'listless' with 'passive', highlighting a lack of active participation or resistance.

as indifferent as

Substitutes 'listless' with 'indifferent', emphasizing a lack of concern or emotional response.

as inert as

Uses 'inert' instead of 'listless', indicating a lack of movement or activity.

as unmotivated as

Replaces 'listless' with 'unmotivated', suggesting a lack of drive or incentive.

FAQs

How can I use "as listless as" in a sentence?

You can use "as listless as" to compare someone or something to a state of inactivity or lack of energy. For example, "The economy felt "as listless as" a summer afternoon in a small town."

What can I say instead of "as listless as"?

You can use alternatives like "as lethargic as", "as apathetic as", or "as languid as" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "as listless as"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to use "as listless as". The phrase follows the standard structure for similes in English, comparing something to a state of listlessness.

What is the difference between "as listless as" and "as lethargic as"?

While both phrases describe a lack of energy, "as listless as" implies a lack of interest or motivation, whereas "as lethargic as" emphasizes physical slowness and fatigue. The best choice depends on the specific context.